Envelope sealer



March 12, 1935. T. J. JONES ENVELOPE SEALER Filed May 9, 1954 v [@zrzZor law, 6 23122;,

Patented Mar. 12, 1935 means Qanad .Application May 9, 1934,:Serial, No. 724,796 i class. f (chin-+61 The invention relates to improvements in envelope sealers and an object of the invention is, to provide a device for moistenin'g' thegummed flap of an envelope and subsequentlysealingthe same in one operation.

' A further object of the invention is, toprovide a moisteningpad, carriedby the sealer and-con struct the sealer'to' permit the pad-to revolve and also design the sealer such, thatthefgumme d flap of the envelope will be positively pressed against the pad in the initialpar't of the sealing operation. 1 A further object of the invntionis to provide, a water reservoir associated with the pad-to maintain the said pad'in amoistened condition.

A further object of theinventionisftoprovide a control for thefflow of water from the reservoir tothepad.

A still further object of the invention-is, to provide air ducts inthe upperpa-rt of'the reservoir 'to permit the-escape offthewater through the control without reducing the air pressure within the reservoir. e

A still further object of the invention is, to design the device in a simple, cheap and'durable manner, the parts being arranged with ample clearance space therebetween for cleaning purposes and to keep the device in a sanitary condition. 7 1

With the above important objects in view which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, the invention consists essentially in the arrangement and construction of parts hereinafter, more particularly described, reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the envelope sealer in the act of sealing an envelope, and showing the position of the operator's hand in dotted outline.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the envelope sealer with the reservoir removed but shown in dotted outline.

Fig. 3 is a vertical, sectional viewrtaken at 3-3 Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a vertical, sectional view taken at 4-4 Fig. 2. r

Fig. 5 is a vertical, sectional view taken at 5-5 Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a vertical, sectional view taken at 66 Fig. 2.

In the drawing like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.

A rectangular shaped bar 1 comprises the frame of the envelope sealer and a partially, ciroular, supporting plate or shelf 2 extends to the side thereof from the forward end. This plate, starting from the lower partof the bar 1 is designed to slope upward at a slight angle and the edges thereof are rounded orbeveled for a purpose later described. From the rear of the bar 1 and to the-side thereof, a pressure or sealing bar 3 extends of solid,:circu1ar cross section. This bar is directly behind the plate 2 and its lower extremity is slightly lower than the bottom of 10 the bar 1. From the drawing it will be observed,

that the bar 1, the plate 2 and the sealing bar 3 are all cast in one piece. i i

' The upper face of the plate 2 is provided with a' circular depression 4 "to receive a circular shaped moisture pad '5. This pad is of suitable absorbent material and'is centered in the depression by a stud 6 which extends upward from the plate andpa-sses "through the-pad permitting it was rotated. e e 20 -A- semi' circui 1' opening '7 is-cut in the upper, front-end ofthe bar 1 and this opening receives a circular tank or reservoir'fi which terminates flush 'w-ithone side of the bar and the other end extends over the moisture pad 5 and terminates slightlypas't the plate 2'. Both ends of the reservoir'are closed by plates "9 and 10' and a fastening screw 11 passes up through the bar 1, through the reservoir casing and into the plate 10 securing the reservoir to the bar.

In the bottom of the reservoir and adjacent the inner side of the pad, an outlet hole 12 is located and this is normally closed. by a needle valve 13, suitably controlled by a thumb nut 14 from the top of the reservoir. .A filler cap 15 is screw threaded into the top of the reservoir adjacent the thumb nut and an air duct 16 is provided therein. A further air duct 17 is provided in the upper part of the closure plate 10.

From the above, andassuming that the reservoir is supplied with a quantity of'water, the thumb nut can be turned and water will flow through the opening 12 onto the pad 5, while air replaces the water through the ducts 16 and 17 in the reservoir In operation, when a large number of envelopes are to be sealed, the thumb nut is set at a predetermined position which will be found in practice and water then drips on the pad. The operator places his thumb on the end of the bar 1, the index finger on the pressure bar 3 and the other fingers on the side of the reservoir (see Fig. 1), with the left hand holding the envelope. The rounded or beveled edge of the plate 2 is slipped under the end of the envelope 40 ture pad,'horizontally mounted on a pin for free flap while the pressure bar is adapted to pass over the flap in the movement of the sealer. As

the plate 2 is elevated considerably above the bottom of the pressure bar the flap takes the form of an ogee curve as indicated at 18 Fig. 1 causing the gummed under side to positively contact with the moistened pad. The sealer is then moved along the flap and the friction between the gum and the pad causes the'pad to revolve bringing the part of the pad receiving the water from the reservoir directly into contact with the gum and, the pressure over the flap effectively seals the same.

If only a few envelopes are to be sealed the thumb nut is just turned on for afew moments untilthe pad is wet and then tightened again;

This will usually be sufficient for the purpose.

While it is recognized that there are a number of envelope sealers on the market, it is found that they invariably, have a closed pa'ssage'for the flaps of the envelopes to travel through. Dust and dirt collect this passa'ge, when not in use and it is extremely hard tokeepit in a clean and sanitary condition. Further, the reservoirs are not providedwith air ducts to prevent the reduction in the air pressure when the water passes out with the result that the water is locked therein and the device is useless unless the filler cap is removed, and then, water is liable to splash on the envelope. With this device, all partsare readily accessible for cleaning purposes and the air ducts insure that a continuous supply of water will be assured. The pressure bar being lower than the plate 2, positively forces the flap against the body of the envelope with the'result that, provided the gum is moist, .an unsealed envelope is a rare exception. r What I claim-as my invention is: 1 1. In an envelope sealer, a flat, circular, moisrotation and adapted to turnwhen the upper face thereof is brought into frictional contact with the gummed surface of an envelope flap.

2. In an envelope sealer'construction, a fiat, circular, moisture pad mounted for free rotation in a horizontal plane, a reservoir having means bar, passing A havi its shelf, reservoir and sealing bar connected by 8.

for conducting liquid to the upper side of the pad and the'said pad adapted toturn under frictional contact with the gummed. flap of an envelope to bring the previously moistened portion into position for contact'with subsequentflaps. i

, 3. In an envelope sealer, a flat, circular, moisture pad horizontally mounted on a sloping, shelf for free rotation and adapted to turn. when'the upper face thereof is brought into frictional contact with the gummed surface of an envelope fiap. w

4. An envelopev sealerc omprising a moisture pad mounted on a pin for horizontal r'otationand supported on a sloping shelf, a reservoir over-.- lying the padQslightly to the rear thereof and spaced therefrom, an outlet in the botto'm of the reservoir communicating with the lower side of the pad, an air duct in theupp r portion of the reservoir and a cylindrical sealing bar mounted rearwardly ofthe pad, spaced therefrom and lower "extremity below the pad,--;the

connecting bar. I I 5. An envelope sealer, comprising a moisture pad supported on a shelf, a cylinder directly over lying the pad, a cylindrical shaped sealingfbar located behind the shelf and having its lower ex:

tremity belowthe pad, the said shelf, cylinder and sealingbar being spaced apart con-' nected toa-side-base bar.

6. An envelope sealer comprising a ,moisture pad supported on a sloping shelflfa cylinder directly overlying the pad, a cylindrical, shaped sealing bar located behind the shelf,parallel with; thecylinder and having its lower extremitybelow the .pad, the' said shelf, cylinder and sealing bar being spaced apart and connected to a side base bar..

.7.,I n an v envelope sealer, a moisture pad mounted on a permanent sloping shelf, means, for delivering liquid to the lowest point-of the pad for contact with the gummed. surface of passing envelope flaps and the sloping angle off the pad adapted to drain surplus liquid from the point of fiapcontact.

THOMAS JOHN JONES. 

